Integrated Filtration and Dewatering System for Sub-Micron Particulate Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional filtration systems require repeated cycling through multiple steps and large equipment to achieve high effluent purity, leading to increased time, cost, and environmental concerns due to the use of chemicals and large settling reservoirs.
Innovation Solution
An integrated filtration and dewatering system combining cross-flow filtration with a settling tank, operating in a chemical-free, closed-loop system to filter particulate matter down to sub-micron levels and concentrate it into a sludge, using ceramic filters for efficient particulate removal and self-cleaning capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional settling tanks are used to remove particulate matter, then large volumes of water can be processed, but extremely large settling reservoirs are required to provide adequate settling time for smaller particles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coagulant as an intermediary substance that accelerates the settling process by causing fine particles to clump together into larger flocs. This mediator enables small particles to settle rapidly without requiring extremely large reservoirs, thus resolving the contradiction between processing volume and reservoir size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the water by adding coagulants that alter particle surface charges and promote aggregation. This parameter change transforms slow-settling fine particles into fast-settling flocs, allowing high productivity with compact settling tanks.
2Duration of action of moving object
If fixating agents are added to accelerate settling, then processing time is reduced, but materials are added that result in environmentally undesirable effluent stream
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs natural coagulation processes where minerals already present in the water or environmentally benign coagulants cause particles to settle naturally. The system is designed to work with the water's own properties rather than adding harmful chemicals, allowing rapid settling without contaminating the effluent.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts potentially harmful fine suspended particles into beneficial settled sludge through controlled coagulation. By transforming the harmful dispersion of fine particles into concentrated settleable flocs, the system eliminates processing time delays without introducing harmful chemicals into the effluent.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional filtration systems are used to achieve high effluent purity, then contaminant removal is effective, but repeated cycling through multiple steps is required with associated storage, time, and cost penalties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the settling and filtration functions into a single integrated process. By combining coagulation, settling, and filtration in one continuous operation rather than requiring separate sequential steps, the system achieves high effluent purity without the time penalties of repeated cycling through multiple conventional treatment stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a continuous flow process where water undergoes coagulation, settling, and filtration in an unbroken sequence without requiring intermediate storage or repeated cycling. This continuous action maintains high purity standards while eliminating the time losses associated with batch processing and multiple treatment passes.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This system achieves efficient, continuous filtration and dewatering with reduced equipment size and cost, minimizing water loss and environmental impact by concentrating particulates and allowing for their recovery, thus overcoming the limitations of traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
holding the contaminated fluid so that at least some of the particulate matter settles to the bottom of the at least one settling tank
Implementation Method 2
a cross-flow filter for filtering fluid taken from near the top of the volume of fluid in the at least one settling tank for removing substantially all remaining particulate matter from the fluid
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed principles for providing a chemical-free filtering of particulate down below sub-micron levels, while concentrating the particulate into a sludge. The disclosed principles integrate cross-flow filtration (i.e., micro-filtration or ultra-filtration) with a settling tank (or “weir”) to provide sequential filtration and dewatering of an aqueous media. The disclosed technique operates chemical-free and is continuous. Applications for systems and processes in accordance with the disclosed technique are wide, and include aggregate fines removal, sediment removal, replacement for clarifiers, etc.